“The Cockleshell Heroes”, 1955
Director: José Ferrer
This British war film is based on the true story of Operation Frankton, a daring commando raid on German ships in Bordeaux Harbour during World War II. It follows a group of Royal Marine commandos as they embark on a perilous mission, highlighting their training, struggles, and bravery.
Starring: José Ferrer, Trevor Howard, Dora Bryan, Christopher Lee, Victor Maddern, Anthony Newley, David Lodge, Peter Arne, Percy Herbert, Graham Stewart;
Production year: 1955;
Genre: action, drama, war;
Duration: 97 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
“A Hill in Korea”, 1956
Director: Julian Amyes
Although primarily focusing on a British Army unit during the Korean War, this film also includes a character who is a Royal Marine. It explores themes of survival, bravery, and the realities of war, as a small patrol unit finds itself behind enemy lines.
Starring: George Baker, Harry Andrews, Stanley Baker, Michael Medwin, Ronald Lewis, Stephen Boyd, Victor Maddern, Harry Landis, Robert Brown, Barry Lowe;
Production year: 1956;
Genre: drama, war, history;
Duration: 81 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,1;
“Commando”, 1985
Director: Mark L. Lester
While not directly about the Royal Marines, this action film's lead character, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a former Commando of an elite unit, drawing parallels with the kind of operations and skills associated with Royal Marine Commandos. It’s a stretch but has thematic connections in terms of special forces operations.
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rae Dawn Chong, Dan Hedaya, Vernon Wells, James Olson, David Patrick Kelly, Alyssa Milano, Bill Duke, Drew Snyder, Sharon Wyatt;
Production year: 1985;
Genre: action, thriller, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 87 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Commando” on the website imdb.com
“For Queen and Country”, 2017
Director: Henry P. Gravelle
This drama, starring Denzel Washington, doesn't directly depict the Royal Marines but tells the story of a British soldier struggling to adjust to civilian life after serving in a conflict, mirroring some experiences of Royal Marines veterans. The film explores themes relevant to many veterans’ experiences post-service.
Starring: Ian Gatheca, Paul Taft;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: short film, history;
Rating: IMDB: 0;
While there might not be a plethora of films strictly about the Royal Marines, those that do touch on the subject offer a mixture of gritty realism, heroism, and a deeper look into the life and duties of these elite soldiers. The Royal Marines have been involved in various significant historical events, providing a rich backdrop for storytelling in cinema.
In the canon of cinema that delves into the life and trials of the Royal Marines, we find an extensive tapestry of narratives that range from the brutally authentic to the inspiringly heroic. These films, in their essence, do more than just tell stories of war, duty, and valor. They capture the profound human experiences of camaraderie, sacrifice, and resilience against often insurmountable odds. Whether it's the historical epic that painstakingly recreates a pivotal battle, or a deeply personal story of a Marine grappling with the ghosts of warfare, these films collectively offer a nuanced portrayal of what it means to serve in one of the world's most respected military units. As audiences, we are transported to the front lines, the training grounds, and into the hearts and minds of these soldiers, gaining not just an understanding, but an appreciation for the complexities of military life and the indomitable spirit of the Royal Marines. Through their scope, these cinematic works ensure that the legacy of the Royal Marines—marked by honor, courage, and commitment—is not only preserved but celebrated, echoing their motto “Per Mare, Per Terram” (By Sea, By Land) across the annals of film history.
